Great time to learn how the stock market works. About two weeks ago I put a small sum of money into the stock market because I was determined to learn how the rise and fall of our market worked and from what I’ve read or watched Cramer (Mad Money TV Show) say the best way to learn is by investing a little money in companies that you’ve studied and monitor how the rise and fall works. Its also a noted good time to learn because our stocks have been so low they don’t have any other place to go except up! I’ve been investing and watching in two different stocks (up until now) Teck Cominco Limited (TCK) which is is engaged primarily in the exploration for, and the development and production of natural resources. and Temple-Inland Inc. which manufactures corrugated packaging and building products. Now a few things I’ve learned is that you shouldn’t buy stocks because you like the company (IE Apple) because you’ll have a harder time looking at stats and numbers objectively when your so excited about the new Mac Book Pro’s (that are being officially announced tomorrow! January 6th!). Companies like Temple-Inland are companies that have been around, are small per share stocks and are making money.

The exciting part for me on all of this is that, I’m learning AND making some money. I’ve been in two week and I’m up collectively 36.5% of my money. I have noted however, that the market is an odd beast. Take Apple for instance, this is a company changing the computer industry, the mp3 industry, the phone industry etc. and the stock rises and falls daily based on what the people of America (and the world) think of Steve Jobs health! One day a few weeks ago a blog wrote that his health was declining and they lost something like $6.00 a share in a day!! Today Steve released a statement that said, I’m fine just had a hormone problem doc’s got it fixed and they recovered $3.80 of it back. Its an emotional bunch of people thinking with their emotions! (Ok, there are facts and numbers involved with some legit concepts or I wouldn’t be learning the ropes myself).

Also if any of you are thinking of jumping in (and its a blast so you should) visit this link and you can trade stocks for $4.50 per trade. Zecco they even have a virtual trading game that you can sign up for so you can learn without loosing. Now if only our Starbucks stocks that Shannon’s paychecks were going towards would start to perform…

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